The Big Deal

About This Movie

The Big Deal, from 1961, envelops you in a world of corporate machinations and moral ambiguity. The film follows Sir Pierson Cale, an unscrupulous businessman, as he manipulates John Hamilton to secure a power station contract. The pacing feels deliberately tense, with an atmosphere thick with intrigue. The performances, while not widely celebrated, capture the nuances of ambition and greed, and you can almost feel the weight of Cale's desperation. It’s distinctive in its daylight scenes, where the stark contrast between ethics and ambition plays out, making every moment feel crucial. There's this gritty, almost documentary-like realism that keeps drawing you in, despite its obscurity.

The Big Deal's scarcity adds to its allure among collectors, with few prints available in circulation. Originally released on 16mm, it has not seen much in terms of remastering or re-releases, which makes it a curious piece of cinema history. The film has generated interest due to its theme of corporate ethics, though it remains largely under the radar, creating a niche following among collectors who appreciate lesser-known works from that era.